Leadership Excellence by Pat Williams (Book Review)

I love reading great books on leadership. And Pat Williams’, Leadership Excellence, did not disappoint.

In Leadership Excellence, Pat Williams describes the 7 sides of leadership – Vision, Communication, People Skills, Character, Competence, Boldness, and a Serving heart – that make leaders into great leaders.

I enjoyed how Pat fused stories of great leaders past and present across the spectrum of American life, i.e. politics, religion, sports, military, business, and used each story to expande on the 7 sides of leadership.

I’ve read many leadership books that highlight leaders usually in the business arena. But Leadership Excellence made it clear that great Leaders are in every area of life, not just in business.

The epilogue was especially profound. Pat Williams profiles the life of John Croyle, founder of Big Oak’s Boy Ranch, and how John exemplifies all 7 sides of leadership. Pat could have profiled a great business leader, but chose to profile John Croyle, a great leader, whose passion is to serve others, not just himself.

The book challenged me personally to take a look at how I exemplify the 7 sides of leadership, and not just emulate some of the great leaders discussed in the book, but to also find my style and voice in each of the sides.

Leadership Excellence was an attention grabber and holder. I read one of the sides of leadership a day for 7 straight days. I wanted to digest the information and really think how I could improve in my own life the 7 sides of leadership.

This book ranks on top of my list with some of the many other books I’ve read on leadership from well known authors and experts on leadership.

I recommend this book to aspiring leaders, and current leaders that want to make the leap from being good leaders to becoming great leaders.

Pat, thank you for your “Leadership Excellence”!